by Sean Hillen

Visiting Wexford in south-east Ireland is always a cultural treat for me due to the dynamic world of amateur theatre alive in the county. 

And this weekend was no exception with a double one-act bill hosted by Coolgreany Dramatic Society in Inch featuring the work of talented playwrights, Thomas Clare, and Pauline Shanahan. 

Entitled ‘End Of Age Day’ and ‘Positive Dead People’ respectively, both black humour in nature, the plays dealt with the most intriguing of subjects – death.

The innovative ‘End of Age Day’ by Clare – a postman by day – directed by Ned Dempsey, which is competing for a place in the All-Ireland One Act Drama Final in a few weeks time, offers the audience a glimpse into a possible future world where time of death is ‘pre-arranged’ by law though people are encouraged and supported in choosing the exact circumstances of their ‘departure.’ 

Faced with their final moments, Mac and Sonny, two long-time friends played by Frank Duffy and Brendan Sheridan, are unwilling to fade into the mighty unknown easily and concoct plans to avoid it. Their rebellion against authority leads to enjoyable plot twists and quite a few laughs, as well as some thought-provoking philosophical sentiments. Amber Doyle also plays an important supporting role in the story’s development.

I don’t want to be a spoiler and give too much information away but you can imagine how entertaining it is when you have actress-cum-model Bo Derek and pretty Irish TV personality, Sharon Ní Bheoláin, mentioned in the same show, as well as a hidden gun and Artificial Intelligence involved. 

Shanahan’s play – directed by Eadaoin Ni Lionain – focuses on what could best be described as the ‘opposite’ side of death to that of Clare’s. It’s about two deceased people, only one of whom has the opportunity to return to Earth for one last fleeting visit. Actresses Paula Breen D’Arcy and Fiona O’Gorman play two brides, Milly and Monica, one a doctor, initially prim and proper, though she swiftly changes character, the other, a feisty chef. Both women had died suddenly at their own weddings. 

Meeting for the first time in a ‘heavenly’ waiting room, they must decide over cups of tea and chocolate eclairs which of them returns to Earth for a final appearance. 

During their often hilariously argumentative, often tender, discussions, their initial intentions take a decidedly surprising turn. To make matters even more interesting, both watch the goings-on ‘down below’ of their wedding guests at their funerals. 

My enjoyment of this delightful theatrical evening was all the greater for having had the opportunity to meet Thomas Clare at the home of my friend and thespian Richard Lister earlier on the evening of the show and learning a little about Clare’s approach to writing and the origins of his story ideas.

Interest in one-act dramas throughout Ireland is greater this time of year as the prestigious national finals take place in St. Brigid’s Hall Theatre, Tubbercurry, Sligo in a few weeks time.